Father Baret Yeretsyan, head of the Real Estate Department of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, has announced that important archaeological materials were discovered during the renovation works of the Armenian kindergarten in Jerusalem, which require detailed study. As reported by Armenpress, this was reported by regionmonitor.com.
Among the valuable finds is a large khachkar, dated to the 12th century or an earlier period. It is a typical Armenian cross with the inscription “Lord Jesus, remember,” with an Armenian floral cross depicted below, as well as grape motifs.
A mosaic was also discovered, which, judging by its style, probably belongs to the Byzantine period. The mosaics are located within the remains of buildings whose dating is not yet clear. Copper coins from the Byzantine and/or Mamluk periods were also found.
Thus, this demonstrates the early Armenian presence and pilgrimage in Jerusalem by the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
